Explain: 1. Why butanoic acid has a higher boiling point than butan1-ol? 2. Why carboxylic acids of short chain length are more soluble in water than those with longer carbon chain length?

1.Butanoic acid has stronger intermolecular forces (hydrogen bonding) because it has two highly electronegative oxygen atoms in its structure, whereas butan-1-ol has only one. Therefore the acid molecules can form stronger bonds between neighbouring molecules. 2.Whilst carboxylic acids can form hydrogen bonds with neighbouring water molecules, owing to the presence of the two oxygen atoms present on the carboxyl group, as the chain length increases the hydrophobic nature of the molecule becomes more defined- it is more difficult for water molecules to surround and dissolve these larger molecules, as the non functional carbon chain has no oxygen atoms to which it can from hydrogen bonds with water.

SL
Answered by Samuel L. Chemistry tutor

22213 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the pH of the solution formed when 30 cm3 of 0.150 moldm-3 aqueous sulfuric acid is added to 30 cm3 of 0.200 moldm-3 aqueous potassium hydroxide at 25 C.


Elements in the Periodic Table often show periodic trends. Describe and explain the periodic trend in atomic radius and electronegativity from Na to Cl.


The pH of pure water can vary depending on the temperature it is held at. Does that mean pure water can be acidic or alkaline?


Why does ionisation energy of elements generally decrease as you move down a group in the periodic table?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning